For National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 2 through 8, we took you to Hawaii Kai for Kaiser High School PTSA's bustling market on Tuesday afternoons. For two hours, people converge on the small parking lot for chef-driven comfort food, Swedish apple pies and two dozen more vendors selling everything from locally made sausages to face masks and soap.
This week, I head to Kailua for the laid-back vibes of the Lokahi Kailua Market on the quiet side of town. It's where you can find locally-flavored cocktail and coffee syrups, cute emoji-like mini donuts, beautiful cut flowers, meatballs, jewelry and more under a shaded metal canopy. It's a much different experience on the windward side, but one I like just as much because the vendors so unique and have the time and space to chat with you about their offerings.
Farmers markets are an essential part of our local economy because they not only are a food source, but the money you spend directly supports farmers, chefs, artists and makers. If you consider shopping local, it's easier than ever at markets like these.
